OUR TEAM
Founded in 2010, Azimuth Grants is a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) with offices in Montgomery, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, and team members across the globe.
Become a Navigator
Are you an experienced grant consultant looking to join a results-oriented, fast-paced, virtual team? Then we want to hear from you! Take this brief survey to tell us more about your experience, expertise, and needs.
LEADERSHIP
David Crowder
Partner and Chief Executive Officer
Georgia
Community Involvement
- Pramana, Board Member
- Ellipsis, Fireblade (formerly SiteBlackBox), Advisory Board Member
David is an expert in technology and operations who is uniquely positioned to quickly assist companies facing the many challenges associated with accelerated periods of growth. He attributes much of his success to his first corporate position, becoming the director of operations of Uno Restaurant Corporation at the age of 24.
Realizing the long-term opportunities available in tech, David studied and pursued the industry, establishing a name for himself by helping businesses scale successfully.
David is currently based in Atlanta, Georgia where he most recently co-founded GET Valet, a tech firm revolutionizing the parking industry.
Jessica Taylor
Founder and Chief Vision Officer
Alabama
Education
- Jacksonville State University, BA
- Jacksonville State University, MPA
- Jones School of Law, JD
Community Involvement
- Samaritan Counseling Center, Board President
- Big Brothers Big Sisters, Big Sis (15 years)
- Kiwanis Club of Montgomery, Board Member
- First United Methodist Church of Prattville, Member
Jessica is a native of Calhoun County, Alabama. She got her start writing and managing grants while working in the Alabama Governor’s Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives. During her time there, she managed several statewide initiatives including Alabama Communities for Education, a high school dropout prevention program, and the Alabama Strengthening Communities Project, which was recognized nationally for best practices in grant management. Jessica lives in Alabama with her three children.
Amanda LeMay
VP of Finance
Tennessee
Education
- University of Alabama, BS Corporate Finance
- University of Alabama, MA Finance
- University of Alabama, MBA International Business
Amanda has worked in the corporate world for FedEx and First Horizon Bank for a combined 20 years specializing in corporate financial analysis and large initiative forecasting. After living in Amsterdam, Netherlands, she retired from the public sector and spent time volunteering for committees in education and becoming an ordained Deacon at Idlewild Presbyterian Church.
Yona Mahilum
Manager of Operations
Philippines
Education
- Holy Trinity University, BS Hotel and Restaurant Management
Yona was raised in the tropical islands of Palawan, in the Philippines, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. She was involved with government work and became an administrative officer for the Community Enhancement and Livelihood Project (CELP) of the Provincial Government of Palawan, promoting and implementing a community-based approach in the rehabilitation of former drug-dependent individuals. While working, she also helped undergraduate students with mentorship services for theses and feasibility studies writing.
GRANT CONSULTANTS
Elizabeth Aerts
New Jersey
Education
- MBA, Rutgers University Graduate School of Management
- BS, DeVry Institute of Technology
Work Experience
- 25 years of SBIR DoD cost accounting and cost administration experience
David O'Connor
Texas
Education
- Aviation Technology, LeTourneua University
- Certified Fund Raising Executive Credential, CFRE International
Work Experience
- 25 years of career with an international aid organization, using hospital ships to reach underserved nations
Mara Bandt-Law
Colorado
Education
- B.A., Psychology, Claremont McKenna College
Work Experience
- 2 years as a grant writer and researcher for Florence Crittenton Services
- 3 years as Grant Writer and Consultant for One Good Turn
Kristen Rivas
Nevada
Education
- Nova Southeastern University, MS Ed
- University of Nevada, Reno, BS
Work Experience
- 23 years of experience as a grant writer, grant manager, and program evaluator/researcher designing and conducting program evaluations
Kate Van Daele
Minnesota
Education
- B.A., Political Science/Leadership, Wartburg College
Work Experience
- 21 years of grant writing experience focusing on community systems, core success structures, and service gaps
Candace Crisman
Illinois
Education
- B.A. Directing Theater,University of Vermont
- Completed 3-year MFA program in Theater Direction, DePaul University
Work Experience
- 20 years of experience as a nonprofit capacity builder and fundraiser
April Shaffner
Tennessee
Education
- Ph.D. Theology, Covenant Bible College and Seminary
- M.A. Education, East TN State University
Work Experience
- 7 years of experience with state and federal nonprofit grant writing and administration
- Over $400,000 successful grants awarded within 2019-2020
- Currently managing a $1,009,459.00, National Dislocated Worker Grant from the United States Department of Labor (DOL)
Dr. Tiffany North
Florida
Education
- PhD Educational Leadership with Global perspective- Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida
- MEd Special Education- Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida
- MPS Health Care Administration- Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida
- BA, Psychology – Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida
Work Experience
- 20 years of experience in the field of Special Education working with institutions and personnel in both K-12 and University levels
Catherine Chapman
Kentucky
Education
- Masters in Philanthropic Studies with Nonprofit Management Certificate, The School of Philanthropy at Indiana University
- B.A., German and European Studies, Vanderbilt University
Work Experience
- 20 years of experience in grant writing for the non-profit sector
Aaron Fumarola
New York
Education
- SUNY Binghamton, BA in Political Science and Philosophy
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, MPA in Environmental Policy
Work Experience
- 10 years specializing in grant research and writing
Loretta Stewart
Kentucky
Education
- Post Graduate work: University of Kentucky, Department of Sociology, Ph.D. program
- M.A. Sociology, Morehead State University
- B.S. Biology and Sociology Morehead State University
Work Experience
- 20 years of experience in grant writing and research for Community Mental Health Centers, Universities, schools, and countless non-profit organizations
Judy Barkus
Pennsylvania
Work Experience
- 30 years of experience in building, maintaining and reinventing mission-driven organization
Sharon Collins
California
Education
- B.A. Political Science, University of Houston
Work Experience
- 15 years of experience in grant writing and research
Alicia Kuranda
Illinois
Education
- M.F.A. New School for Social Research, Saint Bonaventure University
- B.A. Journalism, Saint Bonaventure University
- B.A. World Literature, Saint Bonaventure University
Work Experience
- 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, grant proposal writing, grants administration, and nonprofit consulting
Susan Meehan
South Carolina
Education
- B.S., Health Education, University of Maryland
- B.A., Psychology, Millersville University
Work Experience
- 20 years of experience in nonprofit program development, project management, and evaluation
ADMINISTRATION
Craig Renfro
Business Development
Texas
Education
- BS Journalism, Texas A&M University
Work Experience
- Editor-in-Chief, CEO, & Owner of Game Time Media, LLC
Kath Villaos
Brand Manager
Philippines
Education
- Bookkeeping NCIII, Puerto Princesa School of Arts and Trades
- Visual Graphic Design NCIII, AMA Computer Learning Center
Work Experience
- 6 years of experience in graphic design, social media management and digital arts
- 3 years of experience as a media specialist for the government sector
Neri Maggay
Brand Assistant
Philippines
Education
- AB Journalism, University of Santo Tomas
Work Experience
- 1 year experience in Business Development and Admin relations
- Experience in Public Relations Writing
Romar Miranda
Procurement Team
Philippines
Education
- Student, Juris Doctor, Palawan State University School of Law
- Diploma in Business Communications, Ateneo de Manila University Professional School
- BS Biology, Palawan State University
Work Experience
- Experience in Paralegal services for procurement and bidding of certain independent local companies
- Journalist for a national newspapers covering political, tourism, and environment
Kaye Anne Beguina
Procurement Team
Philippines
Education
- MBA, Holy Trinity University
- BS Hotel and Restaurant Management, Holy Trinity University
Work Experience
- 6 years in management and customer care